Richard O'Kelly Takes Up The Reigns At Hereford United

Richard O'Kelly has replaced Jamie Pitman as the manager of League Two strugglers Hereford United. Pitman was relieved of his managerial duties on Saturday following a disappointing run of results which has left the club in 21st place, just two points above the relegation zone. O’Kelly, a former assistant manager at Edgar Street, has been handed a short-term contract untill the end of the season in which he has 12 matches to save The Bulls from the drop. Meanwhile, Pitman will stay with the club in a coaching role.

The appointment will raise a few eyebrows as it will be O’Kelly’s first foray into football management. He does however have a vast amount of coaching experience and previously worked at Hereford as assistant manager between 2002 and 2004. If the 55-year-old impresses then he will no doubt be handed a long-term deal.

This was Pitman’s first job in management after he was promoted from club physio in October 2010. He originally took charge on a temporary basis but after saving the club from relegation last season he signed a two-year contract. However, the club have consistently struggled this campaign and as a result the board have decided to change things up in order to boost their chances of survival.

O'Kelly’s first match in charge is a crunch fixture away to Macclesfield Town on Tuesday night. The Silkmen, who thumped Hereford 4-0 earlier in the season, currently sit one place and two points above them in the league. Paddy Power have installed Macclesfield as the 5/4 favourites for the win, while Hereford are priced at 2/1, with a draw available at 9/4.